5/31/2017
Succulent Tapestry
Rita Randolph
A dripping urn of assorted succulents is practically irresistible to most of us, as well as our customers! The container is as important as the plants because of its solid appearance and the sheer weight of the foliage, so choose a container just as impressive as the plants. Hardy sempervivum (hens and chicks) make up the bulk of this arrangement, with larger echeveria rosettes added for focal points because of their amazing color and juicy texture. Dicondra Silver Falls spills over the edge, softening and creating a little shiny metallic touch. Although Silver Falls isn’t a succulent, it mixes very well with them due to its durability under a variety of conditions. Finish it off with some glass beads and ornaments, too, if you like and stand back and be amazed!
MATERIALS:
Sturdy urn-shaped container
Good quality potting soil with pea gravel mixed in the top half
LIGHT EXPOSURE:
Partial to full sun
PLANTING TIPS:
Adding gravel helps provide the drainage these plants love and helps keep soil from splashing onto the foliage. Most of the plants are hardy perennials and can last in the same container for a number of years. Dicondra is an annual that would be replaced each spring. Water sparingly, once a week at most.
THE PLANTS:
3 Assorted Echeveria Rosettes
6 Assorted Sempervivum Hens and Chicks
3 Dicondra Silver Falls
(Add any other succulents to fill spaces, for example sedums like Burro’s Tail) GP
Rita Randolph is a Professional “Plant Nerd,” Garden Writer, Photographer and Lecturer who lives in Jackson, Tennessee. Find her on Facebook or at Ritasrareplants.com.